Windsor Housing’s community regeneration project of ten new affordable homes and a modern resource centre for head injury charity, Headway Surrey, at North Road, Guildford, was officially opened last Thursday, 15th October. Dr Grace Dowling, President of Headway Surrey, declared the joint scheme open.
The event commenced with an open house at Headway Surrey, an opportunity to see the valuable work the charity provides. Headway Surrey supports people who have suffered head injuries and also their families, promoting understanding of the implications and providing rehabilitation, social support and befriending services. The official opening took place at 3pm, when people were able to look around a shared ownership house and one of the general needs flats as well as having a chance to learn about Radian Group, of which Windsor Housing Association is a part.
The North Road development includes some innovative elements, with the installation of photovoltaic panels in all houses, the communal areas of the flats and the resource centre, which not only supply renewable energy, but also help keep electricity costs low.
Peter Coleman, Windsor Housing’s Chair said, “There is considerable pride in what has been achieved and the project is an excellent example of what successful partnership working can achieve. We hope that all the new residents and the users of the Headway Resource Centre enjoy their new homes and facilities.”
There was an impressive turn out of people including a number of local residents. The Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Pauline Searle, was also present to offer her support and welcome this commendable community development.
Jenny Griffiths, Chair, Headway Surrey, said, “The opening of our custom-designed new Resource Centre is a milestone of enormous significance in the charity’s development. The partnership with Windsor Housing and Guildford Borough Council has hugely contributed to our long-term security, and as a voluntary organisation, this is incredibly important. We are also delighted to have been able to make a contribution to the local community.”
Pictured (left to right) Peter Coleman (Chair of Windsor Housing); Mayor of Guildford (Cllr Pauline Searle); Dr Grace Dowling (President Headway Surrey) & Jenny Griffiths, OBE (Chair of Headway Surrey).